Zachary Anglin, a Nigerian-born quadruple amputee, has made history as the world’s first commercial pilot with no hands or feet. His remarkable journey is a testament to determination, resilience, and the power of pursuing your dreams against all odds.
Anglin was born without hands or feet and was adopted by Patty Anglin from Wisconsin, where he grew up with 18 siblings. Despite his condition, Anglin’s childhood was filled with activities like skateboarding, tree climbing, and competing with his siblings. Interestingly, it wasn’t until the age of eight that he even realized he was different. Reflecting on his early years, Anglin said he never saw his lack of limbs as a limitation.
Anglin’s passion for aviation took root at a young age, influenced by his mother’s frequent travels and his father’s love for airplanes. As he approached his senior year of high school, he declared his dream of becoming a pilot. However, many people doubted his ambition. Some suggested that his condition made the goal too far-fetched and advised him to pursue a safer and more conventional career, like law. But Anglin’s determination was unwavering. “I’m a little bit stubborn sometimes, which can be beneficial for me,” he admitted.
In 2017, Anglin applied to five flight schools and was accepted into one. In early 2018, he moved from Wisconsin to Oklahoma to attend Spartan College of Aeronautics. However, his journey to becoming a pilot was filled with challenges. He faced multiple rejections after failing his medical examinations five times due to his condition. At one point, Anglin felt defeated and considered giving up on his dream. He recalled thinking, “This is not for me. This is impossible to do.” Yet, thanks to the encouragement of his mother, who remained his steadfast supporter, Anglin decided to give it another try.
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Determined to prove himself, Anglin repeatedly contacted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) despite being turned down multiple times. Eventually, his persistence paid off when he was given the opportunity to take a SODA (Statement of Demonstrated Ability) test. Unlike regular pilots who obtain their medical clearance through a routine examination, Anglin’s evaluation was far more rigorous. He had to complete hours of specialized training and undergo a unique flight assessment to prove he could safely operate an aircraft.
Anglin vividly remembers the anxiety he felt on the day of his SODA test. “I was very nervous. I remember thinking, ‘This is it. If I fail, my dream ends here,’” he shared. However, his hard work and determination prevailed. After successfully passing the test, he received the news he had been waiting for: “Congratulations, you’re going to be able to learn how to fly!” It was a moment of triumph that Anglin will never forget.
Even after earning his license, Anglin faced additional challenges in adapting to the physical demands of flying. He had to learn how to operate the plane’s controls, including the buttons, pedals, and switches, with his unique physical abilities. Despite these hurdles, in 2019, Anglin achieved the historic milestone of becoming the world’s first commercial pilot with no hands or feet.
Today, Anglin continues to inspire others by administering SODA tests to aspiring pilots with disabilities. He also mentors those who face similar challenges, helping them realize their potential. One of his most notable success stories is that of a man who lost a limb and, with Anglin’s guidance, went on to become a licensed pilot.
Zachary Anglin’s journey is a powerful reminder that no dream is too big and no obstacle too great if you have the courage to keep pushing forward. His story not only breaks barriers in aviation but also serves as an inspiration to anyone facing adversity.
